ITC says this is a recognition for its business and value chains which have created sustainable livelihoods for five million people, many of whom belong to the poorest sections of society. The company says it is the only company in the world to be carbon positive for seven years in a row, water positive for 10 years consecutively and solid waste recycling positive for five years now.

Nearly 40% of total energy consumption at ITC's hotels are from renewable energy. ITC's e-choupal, the world's largest rural digital infrastructure, empowers over four million farmers.

The company's business-linked sustainability initiatives, together with the social investment programmes, have helped the company to make an impact on rural livelihood as well.

The company's livestock development programme has provided animal husbandry services to over eight lakh milch animals, thereby providing additional income avenues for farmers. The women empowerment programme has created sustainable livelihoods for over 40,000 rural women.